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Best Solar Companies in Kansas City, Missouri

We compared 11 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      ION Solar
      4.4(114)
    • Long-term savings
      Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

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      Best Solar Companies in Kansas City, Missouri

      Our top solar company picks for Kansas City

      1. Best overall: ION Solar
      2. Our pick for long-term savings: Blue Raven Solar
      3. Great for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Kansas City based on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best Kansas City solar companies

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Kansas Citians’ energy needs.
      Our top pick overall

      ION Solar

      4.4
      114 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      21.9%
      Panel warranty
      30 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2013

      ION Solar offers multiple solar options suitable for different needs and budgets. From helpful sales reps to knowledgeable installers, the company really stands out for its strong customer service. We suggest getting a personalized quote to see if ION Solar is a good fit for you.

      • “If you're thinking about implementing solar, ION Solar would be the company that you should choose. They're very communicative. The presentation was very detailed, informative and helped us decide to go solar. Also, the installation was seamless. They were done within a day. … ION Solar sticks to their deadlines. Most recently, after a week that we went live, we experienced some breaker going out and we knew that it was due to turning our solar on. We had a technician come out within three business days and was able to install new breakers. That issue has been resolved. So, they were great to work with in that aspect too. We didn't anticipate issues right after going live, but they were quick to resolve them.” — Melvyn in Kansas City

      “The only issue I have,” Corey in Kansas City told us, “is it doesn't feel like it's enough power because I'm still pulling the majority of my power off the grid. I'm still paying two bills. I have an app I could pull up and it shows me what it is. I've got a bill for 200 something dollars, the same bill I've been getting. It hasn't gone down at all.” We also think ION Solar could be more transparent about its financing options and additional services.

      ION Solar’s NABCEP-certified installers use Silfab solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and Enphase microinverters. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

      • Energy services: Reps coordinate solar system designs and installations as well as roofing services if needed. Energy production monitoring and ongoing system maintenance are available after the installation is complete.
      • Warranty information: All work performed during the installation is covered for 10 years. Panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty.
      • Payment options: You can purchase or finance the system through a solar loan. Rates and terms vary.

      Pros

      • No upfront payment required
      • 24/7 monitoring
      • Good customer service
      • Solid warranty

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Occasional installation delays

      Blue Raven Solar

      4.7
      263 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease, PPA
      Year founded
      2014
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation

      Blue Raven Solar stands out for its exceptional service, equipment and value. We've talked to more than 200 verified customers across the country over a recent two-year period — 94% were satisfied with their installation and setup, and 92% were satisfied with the technology.

      • “The workers were very friendly and it took no time to install. They explained what to expect since the install was completed on a Saturday. I recommend Blue Raven for installing your solar. I look forward to having lower electric bills and maybe even solar will power my house and I won’t have an electric bill.” — Phyllis in Independence
      • “Courteous and friendly staff. Respectful of our property. They were on time and everything went smoothly from beginning to completion of installation. We were pleased with Blue Raven Solar.” — Helen in Independence

      Blue Raven Solar gets positive feedback from most customers. However, we have heard some complaints about installation issues, including delays in turning on the system, from reviewers.

      Blue Raven Solar installs solar PV panels, storage batteries and microinverters to maximize energy production. It provides free consultations and custom solar panel systems tailored to your home's energy consumption and roof specifications.

      • Energy services: The company handles your whole installation, from designing the system, obtaining permits and connecting it to the grid. Monitoring to track your system's performance and maintenance or repair services are available as needed.
      • Warranty information: All systems have a 25-year panel guarantee and a two-year production guarantee. Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer.
      • Payment options: You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. There’s also a unique in-house payment option with no upfront costs, BluePower Plus+, which combines the best aspects of a solar lease with the flexibility of system ownership.

      Pros

      • Efficient installation process
      • Zero-down financing
      • Production guarantee
      • Excellent customer service

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some complaints about miscommunication

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • Energy services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
      • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
      • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

      Pros

      • Great for RVs and outbuildings
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      How we chose the best solar companies in Kansas City

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in Kansas City, Missouri, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Kansas City solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to dozens of Missourians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Kansas City residents should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.
      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $33,599 in Kansas City.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Kansas City may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Jackson County or Missouri government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Kansas City

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,150 to $29,000 in Missouri. Prices in Kansas City are comparable, ranging from $10,710 to $30,600.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Kansas City’s net metering program.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Kansas City household needs a system with a capacity of 10.98 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Kansas City

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright. Missouri also has Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, which lets you pay your solar loan back through your property tax bill.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Is solar worth it in Kansas City?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Missouri if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Kansas City homeowners with solar panels can avoid $55,374 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      For others, it's about the environmental benefits. "I am very pro-environment and this step felt necessary to take as someone who believes that way,” Xander in Columbia told us. “I appreciate the lack of guilt I now experience when I flip on the light or use the microwave. The sun is creating this electricity, not some coal burning somewhere.”

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 12 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Kansas City

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Missouri have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      Going solar in Jackson County

      Missouri has renewable portfolio standards (RPS) that require utility companies to increase their use of renewable energy. This could lead to future changes in net metering policies or new incentive programs, so stay informed.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Missouri ranked 33rd in 2024

      Residential solar panel incentives in Kansas City

      Kansas City has relatively few incentives for residents to go solar. Incidentally, the 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      You may combine the ITC with new local solar incentives in Missouri to maximize savings.

      Kansas City solar FAQ

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Kansas City?

      Yes, you or your installer must apply for a solar permit through the city of Kansas City.

      Can my HOA stop me from getting solar panels?

      No. Homeowners associations (HOAs) are not allowed to prohibit you from installing solar panels, according to Missouri state law.

      » GREENEST STATES: Missouri ranked 46th in 2024

      How does net metering work in Kansas City?

      Net metering lets you send excess power that your solar panels generate into your local power grid. In return, you can earn credits on future utility bills. These credits can then offset your bill when your solar panels don't produce as much energy, like on cloudy days or during Kansas City’s long, dark winters.

      In Missouri, utility companies compensate you based on the "avoided fuel cost," which refers to the money a utility company saves because it doesn't have to produce as much electricity because residents generate their own power from solar panels (or another renewable energy system).

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Kansas City?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Kansas City. Companies may claim you can get solar panels for “free” or with little to no upfront cost. In reality, solar panels rarely come entirely free. These offers often involve hidden fees or long-term leases with escalating payments.

      How does a power purchase agreement work?

      A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Kansas City

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Kansas City, Missouri. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Kansas City customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. ION Solar
      2. Blue Raven Solar
      3. ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide Sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Kansas City, MO." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Missouri, 2024." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Missouri Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. DSIRE, "Missouri Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        5. Missouri Department of Natural Resources, "Net Metering and the Easy Connection Act - PUB2238." Accessed Nov. 14, 2024.
        6. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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